Cable management arm extension

ABSTRACT

A cable management arm extension, comprising: a plate including apertures to allow for mounting a cable retainer; a first hinged section to connect to a first section of a cable management arm and to a first side of the plate; and a second hinged section to connect to a second section of a cable management arm and to a second of the plate.

BACKGROUND

Cable management arm designs do not include a support. In other words,the cable management arm is not physically supported, other than at thepoint where the cable management arm attaches to a rail kit, when acomputing device is extended or pulled from a rack. Some computingdevice designs may utilize longer and heavier cables, in part due to theextra length of the computing device design and the extra distance thatthe computing device may be extended from a rack. The additional weightand length of the cables is too much for a cable management arm withoutadditional support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure are described in thefollowing description, read with reference to the figures attachedhereto and do not limit the scope of the claims. In the figures,identical and similar structures, elements or parts thereof that appearin more than one figure are generally labeled with the same or similarreferences in the figures in which they appear. Dimensions of componentsand features illustrated in the figures are chosen primarily forconvenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily toscale. Referring to the attached figures:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cable management arm, according to anexample;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a cable management arm attached to acomputing device, according to an example;

FIG. 3 is a close-up schematic view of a cable management arm attachedto a computing device, according to an example;

FIG. 4 is a top-down schematic view of a cable management arm attachedto a computing device, according to an example;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a cable management arm, in an extendedposition, attached to a computing device, according to an example;

FIG. 6 is a top-down schematic view of a cable management arm, in anextended position, attached to a computing device, according to anexample;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the connector, according to an example;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of two computing devices, one retracted andone extended, in a rack, each with a cable management arm, according toan example;

FIG. 9 is a method of attaching the cable management arm to a computingdevice, according to an example;

FIG. 10 is a close-up schematic view of a cable management armextension, according to an example;

FIG. 11 is a close-up schematic view of the front and back of anextended cable management arm extensions, according to an example; and

FIG. 12 is a close-up of another retracted and extended cable managementarm extension, according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is depictedby way of illustration specific examples in which the present disclosuremay be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples may beutilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure.

Computing devices, particularly servers, may be added to or installed ina rack, A rack may be a structure for housing multiple computingdevices, Generally, a rack may consist of four posts or columns withmounting holes or apertures to facilitate the addition or mounting ofcomputing devices. A rail kit may attach to a computing device and to arack, thus allowing a computing device to be mounted to the rack.Further, the rail kit may allow the computing device to be slid in andout of the rack while remaining mounted to the rack, thus providingaccess to a user for a portion of the computing device. The rail kit maybe formed to support a certain weight, based on past models of computingdevices. A cable management arm may refer to a support structure locatedat the rear of a computing device. In an example, the cable managementarm may attach to one of two rail kits attached to the computing device.The cable management arm may support the cables connected to a computingdevice as a computing device is pulled forward, pushed inward, in anextended position, and in a retracted position.

Cable management arm designs do not include a support. In other words,the cable management arm is not physically supported, other than at thepoint where the cable management arm attaches to a rail kit, when acomputing device is extended or pulled from a rack. Some computingdevice designs may utilize longer and heavier cables, in part due to theextra length of the computing device design and the extra distance thatthe computing device may be extended from a rack. The additional weightand length of the cables is too much for a cable management arm withoutadditional support.

Based on the issues described above, a support may be added underneaththe cable management arm to add support. In an example, the support maybe a rail kit or some other similar friction slide component, ballbearing component, other type of slide components, or some combinationthereof. In an example, a rail kit (e.g., a friction slide support) forthe cable management arm may be attached (for example, pivotallyconnected) to one side of a connector on the rail kit of the computingdevice (for example, the opposite rail kit of the computing device whichthe cable management arm may attach to). The rail kit for the cablemanagement arm may connect to the cable management arm via a pinconnected through a connector of the cable management arm to a slide ofthe rail kit for the cable management arm. In another example, thesupport for the cable management arm may connect to the same rail kit ofthe computing device as the cable management arm attaches to.Additionally, the cable management arm may include at least one cablemanagement arm extension.

Examples described herein, include a cable management arm comprising afirst cable management arm to connect to a first connector of a firstrail kit of a computing device and a second cable management arm toconnect to a second connector of the first rail kit of the computingdevice. The first cable management arm may include a cable managementarm extension. The second cable management arm may include a cablemanagement arm extension. The cable management arm may also comprise aconnector to pivotally attach to the first cable management arm and thesecond cable management arm. The cable management arm may also comprisea rail kit. The rail kit may comprise a retainer to connect to aconnector of a second rail kit of the computing device. The retainer mayalso include a pivoting portion that pivots as the computing device andcable management arm are extended. The rail kit may comprise an innerslide and the inner slide may pivotally connect to the retainer (inother words, the inner slide may pivotally connect to the pivotingportion of the retainer). The rail kit may comprise an outer slide andthe outer slide may be slidably connected to the inner slide. The railkit may also comprise a short slide, slidably connected to the outerslide, to allow for a maximum range of motion. The cable management armmay allow for the computing device to be extended further from a rackthan a standard cable management arm (for example, a cable managementarm without a support or rail kit) may allow.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cable management arm 100. The cablemanagement arm 100 may comprise a first cable management arm 102 toconnect to a first connector of a first rail kit of a computing deviceand a second cable management arm 104 to connect to a second connectorof the first rail kit of the computing device. The cable management armmay also comprise a connector 106 to pivotally attach to the first cablemanagement arm 102 and the second cable management arm 104. The cablemanagement arm 100 may also comprise a rail kit 108. The rail kit 108may comprise a retainer 110 to connect to a connector of a second railkit of the computing device. The rail kit 108 may comprise an innerslide 112 and the inner slide 112 may pivotally connect to the retainer110. The rail kit 108 may comprise an outer slide 114 and the outerslide 114 may be slidably connected to the inner slide 112. The rail kit108 may pivotally attach to the connector 106 of the cable managementarm 100 via a pin or other fastener.

As used herein, a “computing device” may be a storage array, storagedevice, storage enclosure, server, blade server, desktop or laptopcomputer, computer cluster, node, partition, or any other device orequipment including a controller, a processing resource, or the like. Inexamples described herein, a “processing resource” may include, forexample, one processor or multiple processors included in a singlecomputing device or distributed across multiple computing devices. Asused herein, a “processor” may be at least one of a central processingunit (CPU), a semiconductor-based microprocessor, a graphics processingunit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to retrieve andexecute instructions, other electronic circuitry suitable for theretrieval and execution instructions stored on a machine-readablestorage medium, or a combination thereof.

As used herein, “rack unit” or “U” may refer to the unit of measurementto define the height of a rack frame and the height of the equipment ina rack frame (such as, computing devices). Each rack unit may beequivalent to 44.50 millimeters or 1.75 inches. For example, a computingdevice, such as a rack server, may have a height of 2 U or 2 rack units(in other words, 89 millimeters or 3.5 inches).

As used herein, “forward” refers to an orientation that is aligned witha horizontal vector pointing from a rear of the bracket assembly towarda front of the bracket assembly, while “rearward” refers to anorientation that is aligned with a horizontal vector pointing from afront of the bracket assembly toward a rear of the bracket assembly. InFIGS. 2-8, “forward” is aligned with the +y{circumflex over( )}direction, while “rearward” is aligned with the −y{circumflex over( )}direction. When one of the example rail kits is installed in adevice rack, the “forward” orientation may be aligned with a vectorextending from a rear column of the device rack to a front column of thedevice rack, and vice-versa for the “rearward” orientation. Forwardmovement or extension is movement or extension in a forward orienteddirection, whereas rearward movement or extension is movement orextension in a rearward oriented direction.

As used herein, “inward” refers to an orientation that is aligned with avector that would point from the rail kit toward the electronic deviceif the electronic device were mounted to the rail kit. As used hereinand in the appended claims, “outward” refers to an orientation that isthe opposite of the “inward” orientation (i.e., an orientation that isaligned with a vector that would point away from the electronic deviceif the electronic device were mounted to the rail kit). “Inward” and“outward” for one rail kit will not necessarily be identical to “inward”and “outward” for another rail kit, since the different rail kits may beoriented differently from one another. For example, when a pair of railkits is installed in a device rack, they may be facing each other, andthus “inward” for one of the rail kits may be pointing in an oppositedirection as “inward” for the other one of the rail kits. For example,in FIGS. 2-8, “inward” is aligned with the +x{circumflex over( )}direction for the left-side rail kit 10L, and with the −x{circumflexover ( )}direction for the right-side rail kit 10R. Similarly, “outward”is aligned with the −x{circumflex over ( )}direction for the left-siderail kit 10L and the +x{circumflex over ( )}direction for the right-siderail kit 10R. Inward movement or extension is movement or extension inan inward oriented direction, whereas outward movement or extension ismovement or extension in an outward oriented direction.

As used herein, a first element may be to “couple” with a second elementif the first element is capable of extending into an opening defined bythe second element.

As used herein and in the appended claims, a first element is“connectable” to a second element if the first element is so configuredthat it is capable of being connected to the second element; however,this does not require that the first element actually be connected tothe second element, For example, in the example rail kit the inner slidemay not be connected to any electronic device initially, but the innerslide is nonetheless still “connectable” to an electronic device even inthis state because the inner slide is so configured that it could beconnected to an electronic device.

As used herein, a first element may be considered to “prevent movement”of a second element in some specified direction if the first elementconstrains the second element such that it cannot move in the specifieddirection beyond some point; however, this does not imply that the firstelement necessarily has to keep the second element from any and allmovement in the specified direction. In other words, when it is saidthat some element “locks” another element, this does not mean that itcompletely prevents all movement of the element, but rather that it setssome constraint on movement. For example, when it is said that the firstlatch prevents the inner slide and middle slide from moving in both theforward direction and the rearward direction when it is in the lockedposition, this means that the first latch constrains the movement of theinner slide in the forward and rearward directions to be within somefinite range of positions; however, the first latch does not necessarilyprevent the inner slide and outer slide from all forward and rearwardmotion and the inner slide and middle slide may move forward andrearward freely within the finite range. This reflects the fact thatsome finite tolerance or “wiggle room” may be inevitable due tomanufacturing variances. In addition, in certain examples some finitetolerance or “wiggle room” may be intentionally included in the designto facilitate smooth functioning of the locking mechanism.

As used herein and in the appended claims, a first element is“engagable” by a second element if the first element is so configuredthat it is capable of being engaged by the second element; however, thisdoes not require that the first element actually be engaged by thesecond element. For example, in the example rail kit the inner slide maynot be engaged by the middle slide initially, but the inner slide isnonetheless still “engagable” by the middle slide even in this statebecause the inner slide is so configured that it could be engaged by themiddle slide.

FIG. 1, as noted above, is a block diagram of a cable management arm100. In another example, the first cable management arm 102 and thesecond cable management arm 104 may include one or more cable loops. Inanother example, the first cable management arm 102 and second cablemanagement arm 104 may include apertures or mounts to allow for mountingof cable loops. In another example, the first cable management arm 102and the second cable management arm 104 may comprise a substantiallyflat component with a curve at the end connecting to the connector 106.In another example, the first cable management arm 102 and the secondcable management arm 104 may be comprised of plastic, metal, or anyother material suitable for computing device cable retention. In anotherexample, the first cable management arm 102 and the second cablemanagement arm 104 may be almost as long as the width of the computingdevice that the cable management arm 100 is attached to.

In another example, the first cable management arm 102 and/or secondcable management arm 104 may comprise two separate sections. In suchexamples, the two sections may meet, engage, or connect at around themidpoint of a cable management arm extension. In a further example, theback side of the first cable management arm 102 and second cablemanagement arm 104 (in other words, the side opposite where the cablemanagement arm extension is located) may include a channel in onesection and a rail attached to the other section, The rail may insertinto the channel, when the two sections are adjacent or engaged. Uponextension of the cable management arm 100, the rail may extend out ofthe channel. In another example, a spring may connect the rail to theother section (in other words the section with the channel) of the firstcable management arm 102 and second cable management arm 104. In suchexamples, upon retraction of the cable management arm 100, the springmay force the rail to snap back into the channel. In other word, thespring may provide an amount of tension to assist the cable managementarm extension in returning back to shape.

As noted above, the first cable management arm 102 and/or the secondcable management arm 104 may include a cable management arm extension.The cable management arm extension may be U-shaped. In another example,the cable management arm extension may be composed of a flexiblematerial. In such examples, the cable management arm extension may beone piece. For example, as the cable management arm 100 extends and thefirst cable management arm 102 and the second cable management arm 104are pulled out and apart, the sections of the first cable management arm102 and the second cable management arm 104 may separate. During such anoccurrence, the cable management arm extension (whether on the firstcable management arm 102 or the second cable management arm 104) mayflatten, thus allowing the cable management arm 100 to travel further.In another example, the cable management arm extension may be comprisedof hinged sections and plates. In such examples, the cable managementarm extension may include two hinged sections each connected to asection of the first cable management arm 102 or the second cablemanagement arm 104. The hinged sections may also connect to a platesection. The plate section may include a cable loop, apertures to allowfor installation of a cable loop, or other mounting components to allowfor installation of a cable loop. In an example, the cable managementarm extension may allow for the cable management arm 100 to extendfurther than normal. For example, a computing device may include anenclosure extension, thus lengthening the computing device. To accesscomponents within the computing device, a user may extend or pull thecomputing device further than normal. The cable management arm 100, withat least one cable management arm extension (included in either thefirst cable management arm 102 or second cable management arm 104), maysupport such a computing device and the extra distance the computingdevice may extend.

In another example, the connector 106 may be a C or U shaped component.In another example, the connector 106 may pivotally connect to the firstcable management arm 102 and the second cable management arm 104 viahinge, latch, pin, some other means for physically or mechanicallycoupling or fastening physical components, or some combination thereof.The connection between the first cable management arm 102 and theconnector 106 may allow the first cable management arm 102 to moveoutward from the connection. Additionally, the connection between thesecond cable management arm 104 and the connector 106 may allow thesecond cable management arm 104 to move outward from the connection. Inanother example, the connector 106 may include a stop or protrusion toprevent the first cable management arm 102 and/or second cablemanagement arm 104 from moving inwards, in relation to the connectionbetween the connector 106 and the first cable management arm 102 and/orsecond cable management arm 104.

In another example, the connector 106 may include a flat triangular orwedge shaped section. The section may be formed on or integral to theconnector 106. The section of the connector may include an aperture, Aportion of the rail kit 108 corresponding to the aperture of the sectionmay include an aperture. In a further example, the outer slide 114 mayinclude the aperture, while the inner slide 112 may not. In other words,the connector 106 may be pinned to the outer slide 114, but not theinner slide 112. In another example, the rail kit 108 may include ashort slide. The short slide may slidably connect to the outer slide114. In such examples, the connector 106 may pin or fasten to the shortslide, rather than to the outer slide 114. In such examples, the outerslide 114 may not include an aperture. A pin or fastener may be insertedinto the corresponding apertures and secured. In a further example, thepin or fastener may allow the connector 106 to pivot about the rail kit108. Thus, as the cable management arm 100 extends the connector 106 maypivot about the rail kit 108, allowing the cable management arm 100 tomove forward and towards the first rail kit of the computing device.

As noted above, the connector 106 may not connect directly to the outerslide 114. In such examples, the connector 106 may connect to a shortslide. In such examples, the short slide may slidably connect to theouter slide 114. In such examples, the short slide may slide along theouter slide 114. In a retracted position the short slide and connector106 may be located close to one side of the rack or, in other words,near the second rail kit of the computing device. As the computingdevice extends or pulls forward (in other words, pulls out from a rack),the short slide and connector 106 may travel up the outer slide 114. Ina fully extended position, the short slide and connector 106 may belocated near the first rail kit of the computing device. In suchexamples, the outer slide 114 may include a stop at one or both ends, toprevent the short slide from extending past the past the ends of theouter slide 114.

As noted above, additional support may be utilized for additionalcabling (as in, the additional weight, amount, and/or length of cables).In addition, the cable management arm 100 may support a 1U computingdevice. In a further example, the 1U computing device may be longer thana typical 1U computing device. In such examples, longer cabling may beutilized to allow for the computing device to be pulled further out of arack, thus allowing a user access to all components internal to thecomputing device. The rail kit 108 for the cable management arm 100 mayadd additional support and stability to the cable management arm 100.The rail kit 108 may follow the cable management arm 100 as the cablemanagement arm 100 extends. In such examples, the rail kit 108 mayattach to the connector 106. As the cable management arm 100 extends,the connector 106 and rail kit 108 may move forward or outward andtowards the first rail kit of the computing device. Thus the rail kit108 may support the first cable management arm 102, the second cablemanagement arm 104, and the connector 106.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a cable management arm 100 attached to acomputing device 230. In such examples, the cable management arm 100 mayattach at the rear or back of the computing device 230. In an example,the cable management arm 100 may include a first cable management arm102 and a second cable management arm 104. The first cable managementarm 102 may pivotally connect to one end of connector 106, via pin 235,while the second cable management arm 104 may pivotally connect, via pin231, to the other end of the connector 106. In such examples, theconnector 106 may include stops or protrusions 232, 233 to prevent thefirst cable management arm 102 and the second cable management arm 104from moving towards each other or inwards. For example, if a userattempts to push the first cable management arm 102 towards the secondcable management arm 104, protrusion 232 may prevent the first cablemanagement arm 102 from moving further than shown in FIG. 2 towards thesecond cable management arm 104.

In such examples, the other end of the first cable management arm 102may include a latch 220 to connect to or engage with a first connector222 of a first rail kit 224 of the computing device 230. Further, theother end of the second cable management arm 104 may include a latch 218to connect to or engage with a second connector (not visible) of thefirst rail kit of the computing device 230, In such examples, the secondconnector of the first rail kit of the computing device 230 may remainstationary (as in, not move as the computing device 230 isextended/retracted), In another example, the first cable management arm102 and the second cable management arm 104 may attach or connect to thesecond rail kit 226 of the computing device 230.

In another example, the connector 106 may connect to a rail kit 108. Therail kit 108 may include an inner slide 112, an outer slide 114, and ashort slide 202. The connector 106 may connect to the outer slide 114or, if present, the short slide 202. The short slide 202 may slidablyconnect to the outer slide 114. The inner slide 112 may slidably connectto the outer slide 114. In other words, the inner slide 112 may fit orinsert into a channel of the outer slide 114. In another example, theinner slide 112 may pivotally connect to the retainer 110. In suchexamples the retainer 110 may connect to or engage with the connector228 of the second rail kit of the computing device 230. In suchexamples, connector 228 of the second rail kit of the computing device230 may remain stationary (as in, not move as the computing device 230is extended/retracted). In such examples, the inner slide 112 of therail kit 108 may pivotally attach to the connector 228 of the secondrail kit 226. In another example, when the first cable management arm102 and the second cable management arm 104 attaches or connects to thesecond rail kit 226 of the computing device 230, the retainer 110 mayattach or connect to the first rail kit 224 of the computing device 230.

In FIG. 2, the computing device 230 and cable management arm 100 may beconsidered to be in a retracted, fully inserted, or installed position.In such a position, the cable management arm 100 may be closed. In otherwords, the first cable management arm 102 may be adjacent to and/orparallel (or substantially parallel) to the second cable management arm104.

In another example, the first cable management arm 102 may include oneor more cable loops 210, 212, In an example, the first cable managementarm 102 may include rigid cable loops 210 and flexible cable loops 212.In another example, the first cable management arm 102 may include acable management arm extension 236. In such examples, the cablemanagement arm extension 236 may include a cable loop 214. In anotherexample, the second cable management arm 104 may include one or morecable loops 204, 206. In an example, the second cable management arm 104may include rigid cable loops 204 and flexible cable loops 206. Inanother example, the second cable management arm 104 may include a cablemanagement arm extension 234. In such examples, the cable management armextension 236 may include a cable loop 208

FIG. 3 is a close-up schematic view of a cable management arm 100attached to a computing device 230. As noted above, the first cablemanagement arm 102 may include a cable management arm extension 236. Inanother example, the second cable management arm 104 may include a cablemanagement arm extension 234. The cable management arm extension 234,236 may include a first hinge 304, 312 fixedly connected, via pin orother fastener, to one of the first or second cable management arms 102,104. The cable management arm extension 234, 236 may include a secondhinge 306, 314 fixedly connected, via pin or other fastener, to one ofthe first or second cable management arms 102, 104. The first hinge 304,312 and the second hinge 306, 314 may each hingedly connect to an end ofa flat piece or plate 302, 310, thus forming the cable management armextension 234, 236. In another example, the connection point between thefirst hinge 304 and plate 302 may include a spring 308 and theconnection point between the second hinge 306 and plate 302 may includea spring (not visible), the springs to prevent the cable management armextension 234 from over-extending or extending inwards. In anotherexample, the spring 308 may provide tension to allow for the cablemanagement arm extension 234 to return to shape upon retraction from anextended position. In another example, the connection point between thefirst hinge 312 and plate 310 may include a spring 316 and theconnection point between the second hinge 314 and plate 310 may includespring 318, the springs to prevent the cable management arm extension236 from over-extending or extending inwards. In another example, thespring 318 may provide tension to allow for the cable management armextension 236 to return to shape upon retraction from an extendedposition. In an example, the flat piece or plate 302, 310 may includeapertures or mounts to allow for mounting of cable loops (for example,cable loop 208, 214).

FIG. 4 is a top-down schematic view of a cable management arm 100attached to a computing device 230. As noted above the first cablemanagement arm 102 and/or second cable management arm 104 may comprisetwo separate sections. The first cable management arm 102 may include afirst section 406 and a second section 408. The second cable managementarm 104 may include a first section 404 and a second section 402. Insuch examples, the first section 404, 406 may meet, engage, or connectto the second section 402, 408 at around the midpoint of a cablemanagement arm extension 234, 236. In an example, the back side of thefirst section 404, 406 may include a channel. In an example, the backside of the second section 402, 408 may include a rail. The rail mayinsert into the channel, when the first section 404, 406 and the secondsection 402, 408 are adjacent. Upon extension of the cable managementarm 100, the rail may extend out of the channel. In another example, aspring 418, 420 may connect the rail to the first section 404, 406. Insuch examples, upon retraction of the cable management arm 100, thespring 418, 420 may force the rail to snap back into the channel. Inother word, the spring 418, 420 may provide an amount of tension toassist he cable management arm extension 234, 236 in returning back toshape.

As noted above, the connector 106 may include a flat triangular or wedgeshaped lower section 412 and an upper section 414. The wedge shapedlower section 412 and upper section may be formed on or integral to theconnector 106. The upper section 414 may extend out from the inside ofthe connector 106 and include a wall that connects the upper section 414to the wedge shaped lower section 412. The wedge shaped lower section412 of the connector may include an aperture. A short slide 202 of therail kit 108 may include an aperture corresponding to the aperture ofthe wedge shaped lower section 412. A pin 410 or fastener may beinserted into the corresponding apertures and secured. In a furtherexample, the pin 410 or fastener may allow the connector 106 to pivotabout the rail kit 108.

As noted above, the inner slide 112 may pivotally connect to theretainer 110. In such examples, the retainer 110 may include aconnecting portion 416 formed at the bottom edge of the retainer 110. Insuch examples, the inner slide 112 may pivotally connect to theconnecting portion 416 of the retainer 110. Further, the inner slide 112may pivotally connect to the connecting portion 416 to the retainer 110via a pin or fastener.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a cable management arm 100, in an extendedposition, attached to a computing device 230. In an example, thecomputing device 230 may be longer and heavier than a normal computingdevice. In such examples, the computing device 230 may extend furtherthan normal, to allow users to reach or access various components withinthe computing device 230. In such examples, a standard cable managementarm may not extend far enough to allow for access to every component.Additionally, merely lengthening a cable management arm may not besufficient, as lengthening a cable management arm may prevent the cablemanagement arm from fitting into a rack. In FIG. 5, the cable managementarm 100 may be extended further than a standard cable management arm.The cable management arm 100 may extend further and fit into a rack,based on the addition of the rail kit 108 underneath the cablemanagement arm 100 supporting the additional weight and/or the additionof the cable management arm extensions 234, 236.

In another example, the other end of the second cable management arm 104may include a latch 218 to connect to or engage with a second connector502 of the first rail kit of the computing device 230. In such examples,the second connector 502 of the first rail kit of the computing device230 may remain stationary (as in, not move as the computing device 230is extended/retracted).

As noted above, the back side of the first section 404, 406 may includea channel. In an example, the back side of the second section 402, 408may include a rail 506, 508. The rail 506, 508 may insert into thechannel, when the first section 404, 406 and the second section 402, 408are adjacent. Upon extension of the cable management arm 100, the rail506, 508 may extend out of the channel.

FIG. 6 is a top-down schematic view of a cable management arm 100, in anextended position, attached to a computing device 230. As noted above,the inner slide 112 may pivotally connect to the retainer 110. In suchexamples, the retainer 110 may include a connecting portion 416 formedat the bottom edge of the retainer 110, In such examples, the innerslide 112 may pivotally connect to the connecting portion 416 of theretainer 110. Further, the inner slide 112 may pivotally connect to theconnecting portion 416 to the retainer 110 via a pin 606 or fastener.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the connector 106. As noted above, theconnector 106 may include a flat triangular or wedge shaped lowersection 412 and an upper section 414. The wedge shaped lower section 412and upper section may be formed on or integral to the connector 106. Theupper section 414 may extend out from the inside of the connector 106and include a wall that connects the upper section 414 to the wedgeshaped lower section 412. The wedge shaped lower section 412 of theconnector may include an aperture. A short slide 202 of the rail kit 108may include an aperture corresponding to the aperture of the wedgeshaped lower section 412. A pin 410 or fastener may be inserted into thecorresponding apertures and secured. In a further example, the pin 410or fastener may allow the connector 106 to pivot about the rail kit 108.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of two computing devices 802, 804, oneretracted and one extended, in a rack 814, each with a cable managementarm 816, 818. In an example, the computing devices 802, 804 may be rackservers. Further, the computing devices 802, 804 may be longer and/orheavier than normal. For example, computing device 802 and computingdevice 804 each may include two extra device cages 806, 808 (forexample, drive cages). In such examples, a user may pull the computingdevice, from the front 812, out further than normal to access componentstowards the back 810 of the computing devices 802, 804. In an example,the computing device 802, 804 may include cable management arms 816,818, as described above. In an example, the computing device 802 is inan extended position. In another example, the computing device 804 is ina retracted or installed position.

FIG. 9 is a method of attaching a cable management arm to a computingdevice. Although execution of method 900 is described below withreference to the cable management arm 100 and computing device 230 ofFIG. 2, other suitable cable management arms and computing devices maybe utilized. Additionally, implementation of method 900 is not limitedto such examples. At block 902, a user may provide a cable managementarm 100 for attaching to a computing device 230.

At block 904, the first cable management arm 102 may attach to the firstconnector 222 of the first rail kit 224 of the computing device 230. Atblock 906, the second cable management arm 104 may attach to the secondconnector of the first rail kit 224 of the computing device 230. Atblock 908, the retainer 110 may attach to a connector 228 of the secondrail kit 226.

In another example, a user may attach cables to the computing device230. In another example, the user may then pass the cables through thecable loops 210, 212, 214 or cable retainers of the first cablemanagement arm 102. The user may then pass the cables through the cableloop 216, cable loops, or cable retainers of the connector 106. The usermay then pass the cables through the cable loops 204, 206, 208 or cableretainers of the second cable management arm 104.

Although the flow diagram of FIG. 9 shows a specific order of execution,the order of execution may differ from that which is depicted. Forexample, the order of execution of two or more blocks or arrows may bescrambled relative to the order shown. Also, two or more blocks shown insuccession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Allsuch variations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a close-up schematic view of a cable management arm extension1000. As noted above, a first cable management arm and/or a second cablemanagement arm may include a cable management arm extension 1000. In anexample, the cable management arm extension 1000 may include a firsthinge 1002, a second hinge 1004, a plate 1008, a third hinge 1010, and afourth hinge 1012. The first hinge 1002 and the third hinge 1010 mayinclude two apertures 1020, to allow pins or fasteners. Further, thefirst hinge 1002 and the third hinge 1010 may be connected to a firstsection 1016 and a second section 1018 of the cable management arm,respectively. In such examples, the first hinge 1002 and the third hinge1010 may be staked, pinned, or fixedly connected to the first section1016 and the second section 1018 of the cable management arm extension,respectively, In another example, the first hinge 1002 and the thirdhinge 1010 may be hingedly connected to the second hinge 1004 and thefourth hinge 1012, respectively. In another the second hinge 1004 andthe fourth hinge 1012 may each hingedly connect to the plate 1008. Inanother example, a first spring 1006 and a second spring 1014 may beincluded between the hinged connection of the second hinge 1004 and theplate 1008 and between the hinged connection of the fourth hinge 1012and the plate 1008, respectively. The first spring 1006 and the secondspring 1014 may provide tension to assist the cable management armextension 1000 to return to shape upon retraction from an extendedposition. In another example, the plate 1008 may include apertures (notshown) or mounts (not shown) to allow for a cable loop to be installed.

FIG. 11 is a close-up schematic view of the front 1100 and back 1102 ofan extended cable management arm extension 1000. In an example, alongthe back of the first section 1016 of the cable management arm extension1000 a channel 1024 may be formed. In another example, the back of thesecond section 1018 of the cable management arm extension 1000 mayinclude a rail 1022. In such examples, the rail 1022 may be fixedlyattached or connected, via pins 1028 or other fasteners, to the back ofthe second section 1018 of the cable management arm extension 1000. Insuch examples, the rail 1022 may fit into or engage with the channel1024. In another example, the rail 1022 may include a spring 1026. In afurther example, the spring 1026 may connect to one end of the rail 1022and the back of the first section 1016 of the cable management armextension 1000. In such examples, upon retraction of the cablemanagement arm extension 1000, the spring 1026 may force the rail 1022to snap back into the channel 1024. In other word, the spring 1026 mayprovide an amount of tension to assist the cable management armextension 1000 in returning back to shape.

FIG. 12 is a close-up of another retracted cable management armextension 1200 and extended cable management arm extension 1202. In anexample, rather than a plate and hinges, the cable management armextension may include a flexible bridge 1204 and pins 1206, 1208. Insuch an example, each end of the flexible bridge 1204 may be pinned tothe first section 1016 and the second section 1018 of the cablemanagement arm extension. In such examples, the flexible bridge mayprovide an amount of tension to assist with pulling the cable managementarm extension back together from an extended position 1202 to aretracted position 1200.

The present disclosure has been described using non-limiting detaileddescriptions of examples thereof and is not intended to limit the scopeof the present disclosure. It should be understood that features and/oroperations described with respect to one example may be used with otherexamples and that not all examples of the present disclosure have all ofthe features and/or operations illustrated in a particular figure ordescribed with respect to one of the examples. Variations of examplesdescribed will occur to persons of the art. Furthermore, the terms“comprise,” “include,” “have” and their conjugates, shall mean, whenused in the present disclosure and/or claims, “including but notnecessarily limited to.”

It is noted that some of the above described examples may includestructure, acts or details of structures and acts that may not beessential to the present disclosure and are intended to be examples.Structure and acts described herein are replaceable by equivalents,which perform the same function, even if the structure or acts aredifferent, as known in the art. Therefore, the scope of the presentdisclosure is limited only by the elements and limitations as used inthe claims

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable management arm extension, comprising: aplate including apertures to allow for mounting a cable retainer; afirst hinged section to connect to a first section of a cable managementarm and to a first side of the plate; and a second hinged section toconnect to a second section of a cable management arm and to a second ofthe plate.
 2. The cable management arm extension of claim 1, wherein afirst spring is included between a connection point of the first hingedsection and the plate and a second spring is included between aconnection point of the second hinged section and the plate.
 3. Thecable management arm extension of claim 2, wherein the first spring andsecond spring prevent the plate from folding inwards.
 4. The cablemanagement arm extension of claim 2, wherein he first spring and secondspring assist the plate in returning to a retracted position.
 5. Thecable management arm extension of claim 1, wherein the plate includesapertures to mount a plurality of cable retainers.
 6. A cable managementarm extension, comprising: an elastic section including: a firstconnecting end to connect to a first section of a cable management arm;and a second connecting end to connect o a second section of the cablemanagement arm.
 7. The cable management arm extension of claim 6,wherein the elastic section allows the cable management arm to beextended further than normal.
 8. The cable management arm extension ofclaim 6, wherein the elastic section forms a semi-circle when in aretracted position and is about parallel to the cable management armwhen in an extended position.
 9. The cable management arm extension ofclaim 6, wherein the elastic section includes apertures for mounting atleast one cable retainer.
 10. The cable management arm extension ofclaim 9, wherein the cable retainer comprises a flexible material.
 11. Acable management arm, comprising: a first cable management arm toconnect to a first connector of a first rail kit of a computing deviceand a second cable management arm to connect to a second connector ofthe first rail kit of the computing device, wherein the first cablemanagement arm includes the cable management arm extension of claim 1;and a connector to pivotally attach to the first cable management armand the second cable management arm.
 12. The cable management arm ofclaim 11, wherein the second cable management arm includes the cablemanagement arm extension of claim
 1. 13. The cable management arm ofclaim 11 wherein a back portion of a first section of the first cablemanagement arm includes a channel to accept an inner slide.
 14. Thecable management arm of claim 13, wherein a back portion of a secondsection of the first cable management arm includes the inner slide. 15.The cable management arm of claim 14, wherein the inner slide isseparate from the first cable management arm and staked to the backportion of the second section of the first cable management arm.
 16. Thecable management arm of claim 14, wherein, in a retracted position, thecable management arm extension is retracted, the inner slide is insertedinto the channel of the first section, and the first section and thesecond section are abutted.
 17. The cable management arm of claim 16,wherein a spring is attached to one end of the inner slide and the backportion of the first section.
 18. The cable management arm of claim 17,wherein the spring allows the first section and second section to pullback to a retracted position when the computing device is moved fromextended from a rack to fully inserted into the rack.
 19. The cablemanagement arm of claim 18, wherein, in an extended position, the cablemanagement arm extension is fully extended, the inner slide is, at leastpartially, out of the channel, and a gap is formed between the firstsection and second section.
 20. The cable management arm of claim 11wherein the first cable management arm includes a plurality of cablemanagement arm extensions.